Mosquitoes can certainly put a damper on outdoor enjoyment. The bloodsucking little biters love to crash picnics and backyard barbecues, replacing fun with discomfort. In order to protect yourself and your family from itchy bumps and bites, it’s important to find the answers to some pressing questions. When are mosquitoes the worst? When are mosquitoes the least active? Are mosquitoes nocturnal? What time of day are the bugs most active? At Mosquito Joe®, we have the answers you need to protect yourself and your family from these pests.
When Is Mosquito Season?
When are mosquitoes the worst? Pretty much any time when they’re actively hunting and biting people, right? Mosquitos are most active when the weather is warm. In regions where some months are too cold for mosquitoes to survive, the arrival of temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit generally marks the beginning of mosquito season. That’s when mosquitoes are the worst. When temperatures dip lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the season is coming to a close as mosquitoes migrate, die, or hibernate. Different species of mosquitoes have different life cycles and habitats. In some locations, where a change in temperature follows from winter into spring, some mosquito species will emerge from hibernation while others are born from eggs that had been laid the previous year. In regions where there isn’t a drastic change in temperature, mosquitoes are around all year round. Did you know that female mosquitoes are responsible for all of the bites that humans experience? They need blood in order to lay their eggs. All mosquitoes need water to breed and lay eggs. Female mosquitoes will lay their eggs in anything that has standing water: ponds, planters, birdbaths, and even rain gutters. Because mosquitoes usually only travel a few hundred feet from their breeding sites, keeping these areas clear and dry will help to reduce the population in your yard.What Time of Day Are Mosquitoes Most Active?
So, regarding the time of day, when are mosquitoes the worst? They’re most active during the early morning hours before the sun has fully come up and around sunset when it cools down a bit. Mosquitoes find direct daylight to be deadly, as it can dehydrate them. So, even though they thrive during the warm summer months, they hide when it gets too hot in the middle of the day. They become active again during the evening hours when the sun isn’t as hot. If you’re going to engage in physical activity such as running, biking, or hiking, it is best to avoid these times.When Are Mosquitoes Least Active?
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, so they are less active when the temperatures fall below 50° Fahrenheit. In colder months, some species hibernate to ride out the winter. During mosquito season, when mosquitoes are the worst, they will remain in hiding not only during the hottest hours of the day but also during windy weather. They are not strong flyers, so they avoid the wind.What Factors Affect Mosquito Activity?
Several factors play a role in mosquito activity. For example, there are over 175 different species in the U.S., and some have slightly different habits. While we talk about mosquitoes liking warm weather, humidity is another crucial component that affects their activity levels. Higher humidity is typically met with greater mosquito activity. While mosquitoes are the worst in warm, humid weather, when it’s too hot, they often seek out protection from the sun in shaded woods, wetlands, and ponds. But overcast and cloudy skies protect them from drying out, leading mosquitoes to actively hunt during the day.Avoiding Mosquito Bites
Staying away from mosquitoes at all times is not only impossible but also impractical. That’s why it’s important to learn when mosquitoes are the worst so you can focus your protective efforts. The following are a few tips for keeping them at bay:- Carry mosquito spray. You can buy it at the store or make your own using essential oils.
- Drain standing water around the house.
- Patch holes or rips in window and door screens to keep them out of the house.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants to keep them away from your skin.
- Add plants that are natural repellents to your garden. Basil, lavender, and lemongrass are just a few that will help keep your yard mosquito-free.
- Use outdoor fans to protect your patio from mosquitoes.
- Hire professional mosquito control services.